إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا۟ بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ 10
Translations
The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allāh that you may receive mercy.
Transliteration
Innamal-mu'minūna ikhwatun fa-aslihū baynaakhwaykum wattaqullāha la'allakum turhamūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that all believers are brothers and sisters to one another, transcending tribal, ethnic, and social boundaries, and commands them to reconcile disputes among themselves. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this brotherhood is a fundamental principle of Islamic community (ummah), and the command to reconcile reflects the obligation to maintain unity and peace within the Muslim society. The phrase 'that you may receive mercy' indicates that observing this brotherhood and seeking reconciliation is a means to attain Allah's compassion and divine reward.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Hujurat was revealed in Medina during the later period of the Prophet's life and addresses issues of community conduct and etiquette. This particular ayah is part of a broader section establishing the rights and responsibilities of believers toward one another, reflecting the practical needs of the growing Muslim community in Medina where conflicts between different groups required divine guidance on reconciliation and unity.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The believer is a mirror to his brother believer' (Sunan Abu Dawud). Additionally, 'None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself' (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim), which reinforces the spirit of brotherhood and mutual care enjoined in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds contemporary Muslims that their faith creates a bond transcending worldly divisions, obligating them to actively pursue peace and reconciliation within their communities. The connection between practicing this brotherhood and receiving Allah's mercy emphasizes that spiritual growth is inseparable from social responsibility and ethical treatment of fellow believers.